Top Issue

Why she's running

When my husband and I bought our home last summer in the Cedar Vale neighborhood off Old Buncombe Rd, we felt an immediate sense of community. In talking with my new neighbors, I sensed a disconnect from the current Representative in my district. I’ve always had passion for politics (I’ve been a registered voter in Greenville county since 1999) and over the years I’ve written letters to our local government and made phone calls to local and state offices. I very happily attended all the marches in Greenville. But the letters and the phone calls and the marches were not enough. I needed to do more, I needed to stand up. I realized that the best way to stand up was to stand before voters myself. I’m a fighter and I’ll be so proud to fight for my district! I also decided the best way bring change was to represent my neighbors in District 19. I’m running because I strongly believe that we need local government that represents ALL THE PEOPLE. I've worked in higher education for over 10 years and support our public schools, our teachers and access to a college degree. I care deeply about my students. It is with them, and every child, in mind that I’m fighting for education. Our children deserve the best, they deserve to be safe and our teachers deserve a salary that matches the dedication that they give to our children.

I also see how hard working my district is and will bring my fight for living wages to the State House. I believe that healthcare is a right not a privilege and I will fight for access to affordable healthcare for everyone.

I still believe in the American Dream, but I know that it is not possible without strong communities and teamwork. Let's work together to make district 19 the home that our children deserve.

Vote for me, Carrie Counton for District 19 on June 12th if you believe it’s time for all members of the community to be represented.

Biography

I arrived in South Carolina in 1999. I'm a graduate of Lander University and later went on to earn my MBA. I was raised with a strong work ethic and sense of service to one's country. My dad bravely served in the Vietnam War before leaving the military to work in advertising. I’ve been happily married since 2005. Over the years I’ve rescued and fostered numerous animals and we now have 3 cats.

A search of court records revealed Counton was fined $50 in 2002 for speeding 10 mph or less over the speed limit; a $25 fine for a seatbelt violation and a $75 and a $81.13 fine (on separate occasions for speeding more than 10 mph over the speed limit in 2005; an $85 fine in 2004 for following too closely and a $50 fine in 2004 in a rule to vacate case where Oak Ridge at Pelham was the plaintiff. A Nexis report said Counton was cited for speeding 10 mph over the speed limit in Laurens County in 2015.

Counton said "Like most people, I have the occasional speeding ticket. I try to be mindful of speed limits and safe driving practices, but mistakes happen.

"Regarding the rule to vacate, I was a tenant at Oak Ridge. Upon moving out, they found that one of my cats had damaged the carpet. I initially tried to fight the additional $50 fee, as I thought that my pet deposit would cover pet-related damages. We went to court and in the end, I paid the fee."